The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E2136-E2137 on July 31, 2009.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES
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HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
of minnesota
in the house of representatives
Friday, July 31, 2009
Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 3183). This Appropriations Act makes important investments to move America toward a clean energy economy. I thank Chairman Obey, the House leadership, and my colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee for their hard work on this legislation.
A transition to clean, renewable sources of energy is critical for America's national security, economic prosperity, and environmental stewardship. One of the most effective strategies for reducing America's dependence on foreign oil and polluting fossil fuels is to decrease our energy consumption. This bill invests $2.25 billion in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs at the Department of Energy, a 14 percent increase over fiscal year 2009. This funding will enhance the development of next-generation vehicle technologies, support research on conservation technologies for buildings and industry, and help struggling families save money and energy through the weatherization assistance program.
Improvements in energy efficiency must be coupled with the development of new, 21st century energy technologies. This bill invests
$4.9 billion for the Office of Science--funds that will support development of new energy technologies to modernize America's economy and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. As we develop these new energy technologies, our country must have a modern energy grid equipped to transport clean energy across the country. This bill provides $208 million--52 percent over 2009--for modernization of our energy grid. This will allow wind energy produced in my state of Minnesota to be transported to areas across the country that have high energy demand but fewer or less accessible renewable energy resources.
While this bill is very strong overall, I have concerns that it could do more to move our country toward a permanent storage solution for our accumulating nuclear waste. After spending 20 years and billions of dollars on Yucca Mountain, the federal government is about to suspend this project and start over. Finding a long-term solution to America's nuclear waste storage problem is the federal government's responsibility, and I urge this Congress and this Administration to make this issue a priority.
The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010 is a significant step toward a clean, secure energy future for America. I urge my colleagues to support passage of this bill.
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